THE MOON-MENDER'S APPRENTICE

The story follows Leo Pocket, a quiet boy whose only unique talent is collecting and seeing the value in broken objects. One night, he sees a huge crack forming on the surface of the Moon, and a drop of liquid moonlight falls onto his shoe. He is immediately recruited by Mr. Wickle, the eccentric Chief Maintenance Officer of the Lunar Workshop, who confirms that the Moon—which is actually a giant woven tapestry of light and gears—is being damaged by shadowy creatures called the Glooms. Leo and Mr. Wickle climb a magical measuring-tape ladder to reach the Moon. When traditional tools fail against the Glooms, Leo realizes the silver thread and various "broken things" in his pocket can be used as anchor points. He bravely "stitches" the Moon back together, using his silver thread and a piece of moon-drop, saving the night sky and scattering the Glooms. In the end, Mr. Wickle offers Leo the job as his apprentice, recognizing Leo's unique gift for fixing what others see as rubbish, and Leo embraces his new role as the Moon's official mender.